Dear Neighbors … I received notice of that the corporate backers of the PATH project would file motions to withdraw their applications for state regulatory approval of the proposed 760 kV line. This is good news! However, the better news is the reason behind this announcement: PJM (the regional grid operator) has suspended the project due to the need for a “more rigorous analysis of the potential need for PATH as part of its continuing RTEP [Regional Transmission Expansion Plan] process.” In short, analysis undertaken as part of the 2011 RTEP and at the request of a Virginia Hearing Examiner, indicated that “the expected reliability violations that necessitated PATH have moved several years into the future.” For many of us this comes as no surprise. The gist of my testimony to the SCC last month (as well as at the prior hearing in August 2009) demonstrated flaws in the reliability projections used to justify the project by both PJM and PATH. For those of us who questioned the need for the lines, the action taken by an unnamed Virginia Hearing Examiner is very gratifying. The admission by the PJM President of a diminution of their planning models’ robustness and the need for stakeholders to find new, innovative ways to manage increased complexity in long-term transmission planning is equally gratifying. This admission echoes what many have been saying for almost a decade: neither the power companies nor PJM were fully accounting for new energy sources, demand management, conservation efforts, and evolving public policies at all level of governments in their planning process.

I believe the citizens of Loudoun County and their allies should be justly proud of their efforts. I think the SCC will be hard-pressed to ever again accept on faith an applicant’s argument of need and I think Commissioners will find it harder to justify their absence from public hearings. While PJM reserves the right to reinstate PATH in a future RTEP, the standard for approval is now just a bit higher.

Best regards, Jim Burton

PS: I have posted copies of the relevant press releases in a folder marked PATH on my County webpage.

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Holiday Open House

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy live music both days in our Tasting Room, wine tastings, delicious mulled wine, and of course our favorite craft vendors on site selling their wares; a perfect day to spend with family and friends.

Holiday Open House

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy live music both days in our Tasting Room, wine tastings, delicious mulled wine, and of course our favorite craft vendors on site selling their wares; a perfect day to spend with family and friends.

Christmas Market and Trolley Tours

Trolley from 6-9. Each trolley takes about 40 min. Tickets are complimentary and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Christmas Market is adjacent to the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink. Warm your hands by the fire, enjoy some sweets, listen to holiday music while you shop and wait for the trolley.

Holiday Open House

December 10, 201610:00 am – 3:00 pm

Town Hall and the Train Station.
The Holiday Open House at Town Hall will feature a huge Lego train display and face painting. Activities at the Train Station will include photos with Santa from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (bring your own camera), and ornament decorating from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

13th Annual Purcellville Christmas Parade

December 10, 201612:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Downtown and Main Street.
Starting at 21st Street, the parade will turn left onto Main Street, followed by a left turn onto Maple Ave and a conclusion at Loudoun Valley High School. For a parade entry form, visit www.purcellvilleva.gov/holidays.

Barrel Tasting Event Saturday

Start off your evening by enjoying a 4 course gourmet meal paired with wine straight from the barrel at Breaux Vineyards annual Barrel Tasting. This event is fun, interactive and educational. If you have not already met him, it is a great opportunity to meet our new winemaker Josh Gerard who will lead event with Jennifer Breaux. Reservations required and seating is limited.

Intro to Essential Oils

Loudoun Valley Yoga FREE workshop
Our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves given the right resources. Join us to learn how oils can be a powerful resource to effectively and naturally treat many common health issues. (Pre-Registration Required)www.LoudounValleyYoga.com

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration

(All ages) Ring in the New Year with a family-friendly celebration featuring entertainment and party favors for everyone, refreshments and simple party crafts, photo booth and more! Then countdown to “midnight” at the end of our party --- and parents can still get home in time to watch the festivities in Times Square.

Tickets: $10 Adults or $35 Family of 4 or more
Register on Webtrac beginning November 12th!

New Year's Day Musikabend

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An afternoon of classical music—spirituals, Lieder, Bach, Robert Burns—hosted by the Schiller Institute, with community singers and instrumentalists. Start the New Year with beauty and truth for a new era! First of a series. Free. Donations welcome. Leesburg Volunteer Fire Co., Station 1 (Flame Room), 215 W. Loudoun St., Leesburg, Tel. 703 297 8368

Restore & Renew

Loudoun Valley Yoga
In the midst of creating an unforgettable holiday season, we often struggle to find time to slow down and take care of ourselves. Join us for a replenishing practice designed to release the stress of the season and make space for a fresh new year. (Pre-Registration Required)www.LoudounValleyYoga.com

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